Send to India from $96
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Personal Effects Customs Clearance India
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
In order for shipments to clear Indian Customs, the owner of the goods must be named as both the shipper and receiver on the booking. Duty exemption is not guaranteed for unaccompanied baggage and we recommend contacting the relevant customs authorities in India before shipping so that you are aware of the amount of duty and taxes which may be applicable in your circumstances.
Customers will need to provide a copy of their passport matching the name on the booking, proof of address matching that of the delivery address, and in the case of foreigners residing or visiting India temporarily, a copy of their visa or PIO card. If you list an additional care of name on the delivery address, Indian customs may also request documentation for this person before the shipment is cleared.
The acceptable documents for proof of address outlined below should match with the delivery address on your shipment
Indian Residents
- Aadhar Card
- Passport Page showing address
- Bank Account Statement
- Electricity Bill
- Employee ID (if delivery is to your place of work)
- Hotel Booking Receipt
- LPG Connection Receipt
- Rent Agreement
Foreigners residing or visiting India temporarily
- Address proof of relative/friend they are staying with
- Hotel Booking Receipt
- Rent Agreement
- Stay Visa
- Other Document
If delivery is to a business address, but for a personal shipment, proof such as an employee ID card, job offer letter or similar may be required.
In addition to these documents, Indian customs may also request the consignee’s physical presence at the gateway where the shipment has arrived into India, to verify the identity of the person claiming duty-free entry of goods. There are currently 5 locations this can be done at; Kolkata/Calcutta; Mumbai/Bombay; Chennai; New Delhi or Bangalore. If due to the distances involved, you are unable to attend customs in person, you will need to hire a customs broker in India, at your own cost, to assist you. Send My Bag are unable to assist with hiring a broker or cover any charges incurred.
Additional charges of 2200 INR may be levied for clearance of personal effects, along with storage charges if the receiver does not attempt to clear immediately and goods and services taxes (GST) even if the shipment is cleared without duty.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required, the consignee needing to attend customs in person or hire a broker) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 10 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to India
India allows gifts up to a value of INR 10,000 to be shipped duty and tax-free (this also applies to “business samples”). A consignment declared cannot contain any more than 10 of the same item and must be sent between 2 individuals without any form of payment having been made (unsolicited). Indian customs have the final say on whether a consignment can be declared as a gift and the true value of the shipment.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance India
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
In order for shipments to clear Indian Customs, the owner of the goods must be named as both the shipper and receiver on the booking. Duty exemption is not guaranteed for unaccompanied baggage and we recommend contacting the relevant customs authorities in India before shipping so that you are aware of the amount of duty and taxes which may be applicable in your circumstances.
Customers will need to provide a copy of their passport matching the name on the booking, proof of address matching that of the delivery address, and in the case of foreigners residing or visiting India temporarily, a copy of their visa or PIO card. If you list an additional care of name on the delivery address, Indian customs may also request documentation for this person before the shipment is cleared.
The acceptable documents for proof of address outlined below should match with the delivery address on your shipment
Indian Residents
- Aadhar Card
- Passport Page showing address
- Bank Account Statement
- Electricity Bill
- Employee ID (if delivery is to your place of work)
- Hotel Booking Receipt
- LPG Connection Receipt
- Rent Agreement
Foreigners residing or visiting India temporarily
- Address proof of relative/friend they are staying with
- Hotel Booking Receipt
- Rent Agreement
- Stay Visa
- Other Document
If delivery is to a business address, but for a personal shipment, proof such as an employee ID card, job offer letter or similar may be required.
In addition to these documents, Indian customs may also request the consignee’s physical presence at the gateway where the shipment has arrived into India, to verify the identity of the person claiming duty-free entry of goods. There are currently 5 locations this can be done at; Kolkata/Calcutta; Mumbai/Bombay; Chennai; New Delhi or Bangalore. If due to the distances involved, you are unable to attend customs in person, you will need to hire a customs broker in India, at your own cost, to assist you. Send My Bag are unable to assist with hiring a broker or cover any charges incurred.
Additional charges of 2200 INR may be levied for clearance of personal effects, along with storage charges if the receiver does not attempt to clear immediately and goods and services taxes (GST) even if the shipment is cleared without duty.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required, the consignee needing to attend customs in person or hire a broker) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 10 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to India
India allows gifts up to a value of INR 10,000 to be shipped duty and tax-free (this also applies to “business samples”). A consignment declared cannot contain any more than 10 of the same item and must be sent between 2 individuals without any form of payment having been made (unsolicited). Indian customs have the final say on whether a consignment can be declared as a gift and the true value of the shipment.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to India?
There is a lot to see in India, which makes it the perfect destination for an extended trip. If you’re going to visit the country for any extended period, then the service provided by Send My Bag will be invaluable to you, allowing you to bring everything you need to see you through to the end of your trip. Send My Bag will pick up your baggage and drop it off at your destination accommodation, taking the hassle and stress away from you.
Large items such as hiking or climbing gear can be a bit of an annoyance when travelling. Perhaps you don’t have a very generous baggage allowance, which means that any excess baggage can be pricy. You can avoid such costs by using Send My Bag, enabling you to enjoy your holiday, worry free.
Our service is also great for international students studying for their degree in India or for those planning to spend a year abroad or gap year in India. Send My Bag can help students quickly set up home in India by shipping their possessions, including clothes, books and DVDs.
Send Luggage to India
If you are enjoying an extended trip or an activity holiday in India, or if you are moving there permanently, you can avoid a lot of hassle by sending your possessions with Send My Bag. Your possessions will be looked after for you, allowing you to get on with exploring all that India has to offer. Send My Bag will pick up your bags at home and deliver them to your accommodation in India. You can send as much as 30 kg per bag, which means that you can bring all your home comforts with you to help you set up home abroad or to fully enjoy your holiday or new life. To find out more about sending luggage to India, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to India
If you are attracted by the beauty and intrigue of India and are moving there permanently, you will have to look into international removals to India in order to move all of your possessions. Make sure you choose a reputable removal company and ensure that all your items are carefully packaged so that they won’t get damaged in transit. Use appropriate packaging for your items and seal everything up well.
Student Shipping to India
India is a popular destination for students in engineering and IT due to the Indian Institutes of Technology, which offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that are very competitive to get into. If you have decided to study in India you can easily send your possessions with Send My Bag, which allows you to take lots more with you than you could check into an airplane hold – so all the books, writing materials and clothes you might need throughout your course. Discover more about student shipping and how to claim your student discount by reading our student removals page.
Sending a Parcel to India
You could send a parcel to India with Send My Bag, which is useful if you only need to ship a small number of items. Friends and family at home can use this service to send things to you in India, like presents or care packages. Just ensure that you pick a good solid box when sending a parcel to India and seal it up well so none of your items get damaged in transit. Also, make sure you are aware of rules relating to personal effects and brand new items. Read our information page on how to send a parcel, to find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to best package your items.
Ways of Shipping to India
If you are travelling or moving to India and need to transport items, you should look into the various options available for shipping to India. Some options will be more suitable for you than others. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to India.
Send Golf Clubs to India
Why not try golfing in India, using your own clubs, which you can send with Send My Bag? India has around 200 golf courses – so plenty for you to choose from. Those considered the best include DLF, Oxford Golf and Country Club and Aamby Valley. Why not sample some of these courses while you are in India? Sending your golf clubs is easy, just make sure you find out how best to prepare your golf clubs for transit by visiting Send My Bag's page on sending golf clubs.
Send your Bike to India
If you are an experienced cyclist, cycling in India can be a real eye-opener and a great way to see India off the beaten track. It’s best to stick to quieter roads and watch out for buses and other vehicles. Why not ship your bike to India with Send My bag and enjoy the Indian scenery from the comfort of your own bike? If you send your bike you can avoid exceptional baggage fees from your airline and avoid the hassle of carrying a heavy bike to and from the airport. To find out more about shipping your bike, read our bike shipping page, where you can learn how to best package your bike for safe transport.
About India
India is a vast country, described as the World’s Most Colourful Country, and for good reason. Its origins date back 30,000 years to around the time today's humans arrived, long before it was colonised by the UK. India is now an independent country but much remains from its colonial past, including its railway system. India shares its border with a number of different countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. In the south, it is also surrounded by the warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.
India has something for everyone: explorers, nature lovers, those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a city, and those who want to get away from it all. The weather is warm all year round with temperature highs around April, May and June. It’s slightly cooler during winter and you see the most rain over the summer months, when it is often torrential. In India, people speak Hindi as well as English and the currency is the Indian Rupee.
Although India is a popular tourist destination, many of the citizens are very poor, so outside of the main cities, life is very different to what you may expect. That doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful or that there is nothing to see. Some of the top things to do in India include visiting Delhi ‒ a loud, bright and bustling city. Then you have the most popular destination ‒ the instantly recognisable Taj Mahal. Other intriguing cities include Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore. But it’s also great to get out and enjoy the breath-taking scenery, with plenty of hikes and bike trails to enjoy, as well as the option of mountain climbing, kayaking and other adrenaline-inducing sports.
One thing people recommend is having an itinerary when travelling to India, particularly as transport isn’t reliable and getting around can be tricky. You can't rely on tap water in India and visitors are advised to drink bottled water and to make sure they keep hydrated. Visitors should also avoid eating meat and food they can’t see being prepared, to avoid the dreaded ‘Delhi belly’. But don’t let these warnings put you off; India is a country that is well worth a visit.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to India.
Air Freight to India
If you need to send large items, like a wardrobe or table, to India you could look into using air freight. It normally takes one to two days to fly your items from one airport to another. This makes it a quick service, but it can be an expensive one. What you have to pay depends on the weight and size of your shipment. You will probably also have to hire a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you. Plus, you need to work out how to get your items to and from the airport, which means that costs could quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to India your items will likely arrive at one of the major international airports, such as New Delhi, Chennai or Mumbai Airports.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to India
You could consider sea freight or container shipping to move your possessions to India. Again, this is a good option for bulky items, like a stove or dining table. It can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to hire a customs agent and will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the ports, which means it could cost more than expected. When using container shipping to India your items will most likely arrive by ship at a major sea port, such as Mumbai, Chennai or Paradip.
Shipping Goods to India
You need be familiar with current Indian customs rules when shipping goods to India. You should be fully aware of any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to India, which items are restricted, and which are entirely disallowed. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.